The Hajj takes place between the eighth and 13th days of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Muslim lunar calendar. The focal point of Islamic prayer highlights their unity and belief in the oneness of God.

MSA President Faisal Matadar described the unity and group dynamic of the Hajj.

“You walk in and everyone is smiling and hugging you, ” he said. “It’s really amazing.”

The presentation was organized into several stations with posters describing the different aspects of the Hajj. One station, which began the pilgrimage, explained the different expectations for both men and women regarding clothing and conduct during the Hajj.

Several MSA members were available to answer questions and give accounts of their experiences with the Hajj.

Matadar described the Hajj from his personal experience.

“You see every person from every corner of the earth, a sea of white,”
he said. “Of all the experiences, that’s the most intense.”

Layla El-Wafi, vice president of the MSA, talked about the focal point of Muslim prayers, the Ka’bah, where Muslims begin and end their pilgrimage.

“It’s the biggest most peaceful gathering, a lot of peace and love. No violence,” El-Wafi said. “The starting point of the Ka’bah goes back to the concept of one God.”

Muslims making the Hajj pilgrimage cannot wear clothing with embroidery or design. This fosters equality among those praying, Matadar said.

“Clothing is the same,” he said. “So you could even be praying next to the king of Morocco.”

Several students participated in the GW “pilgrimage” and were able to hear the stories of their fellow students and read the provided literature.

“I learned about the Hajj in my Eastern Studies class, but I thought it would be better from an authentic source,” junior Luke Ficher said.

Next week on the Muslim calendar is the celebration of the sacrifice that ends the Hajj, Eid-al-Adha.